Facebook allows users to deactivate their accounts instead of deleting them. Deactivating an account is a good option for those who want to take a break from Facebook without losing their information and data permanently.
What happens when you deactivate your Facebook account?
When you deactivate your Facebook account, your profile and all information associated with it are hidden until you reactivate it by logging back in. Here’s what happens when you deactivate:
- Your profile, photos, posts, videos, and everything else you’ve added is hidden from other users on Facebook. However, some information remains visible such as messages you’ve sent to friends.
- You cannot be searched on Facebook by other users.
- Your Facebook messages are deactivated but not deleted. When you reactivate they will return as normal.
- Your Facebook events and groups remain intact but hidden.
- You cannot interact with Facebook apps.
- You will not get notifications from Facebook.
In summary, deactivating makes your account dormant but saves all your information for when you are ready to reactivate.
How long does it take to deactivate a Facebook account?
It only takes a few seconds to initiate the deactivation of your Facebook account. Simply go to your Facebook settings and select “Manage Account” then “Deactivate.” You will be asked to confirm you want to deactivate.
Once you confirm the deactivation, it takes about one day for Facebook to fully deactivate your account across its systems. During this time you may still get some notifications or see some account activity. After about 24 hours the deactivation will be complete and your profile and information will be hidden.
Can you reactivate a deactivated Facebook account?
Yes, you can easily reactivate a deactivated Facebook account at any time. To do so:
- Go to Facebook.com and login with your email and password as normal.
- Facebook will detect your account has been deactivated. Simply confirm you want to reactivate.
- Your account will be fully restored with all previous data and information.
You can repeat this deactivation and reactivation as many times as you want. Your account will remain intact for you.
How long does Facebook keep deactivated accounts?
Facebook keeps deactivated accounts in a dormant state indefinitely. There is no time limit on how long an account can remain deactivated before being deleted by Facebook.
Even if you do not use your Facebook account for years, as long as you do not delete it, the account remains on Facebook servers and can be reactivated.
Can someone else reactivate my deactivated Facebook account?
No, only you can reactivate your deactivated Facebook account, unless you share your login information. Facebook requires your email and password to reactivate an account. Without access to your credentials, no one else can restore your deactivated profile.
What happens if I delete my Facebook account?
Deleting your Facebook account permanently removes all your information and data from Facebook servers. Here’s what happens when you delete an account:
- Your profile, photos, posts, videos, and all other data is erased.
- You cannot be searched or found on Facebook.
- Your Facebook messages are deleted.
- You lose connections to Facebook friends, groups and events.
- You cannot reactivate or restore a deleted account.
In most cases, Facebook deletes accounts immediately on request. However, data may persist in backups for up to 90 days before permanent erasure.
Should I delete or deactivate my Facebook account?
Whether to delete or deactivate depends on your intentions:
| Deactivate | Delete |
|---|---|
| If you plan to take a temporary break from Facebook. | If you never plan to use Facebook again. |
| If you might want to reactivate your account later. | If you are concerned about permanent removal of all data. |
| If you want to keep your data and connections. | If you do not care about losing connections, photos, etc. |
In summary, deactivating is temporary while deleting is permanent. Choose based on your preferences.
Can you deactivate Facebook Messenger?
Yes, deactivating your Facebook account also deactivates Messenger. Your messages remain saved but hidden while deactivated.
You can also deactivate just Messenger without deactivating your entire Facebook account. To do so:
- Go to your Facebook Settings
- Select “Messenger” from the left menu
- Toggle “Active Status” to off position
This will deactivate Messenger while keeping your Facebook account active. You can reactivate it at any time with the toggle.
What about Facebook Business accounts?
Facebook Business accounts function similarly to personal accounts when it comes to deactivation:
- Deactivating a business account hides it from view temporarily.
- The account can be reactivated at any time to restore its data.
- Deleting a business account erases its data permanently.
However, Facebook recommends business owners “pause” accounts instead of deactivating. This pauses ads and other activity without hiding the page.
Conclusion
Deactivating your Facebook account provides a simple way to take a break while preserving your profile information to restore later. It is ideal for those who need some time away but may eventually return to Facebook. Permanently deleting your account is better suited for those leaving Facebook forever.